“Disney paid him to attack white people”: Jason Whitlock didn’t hesitate to criticize Stephen A. Smith for accusing the ESPN host of inciting racial hatred on “First Take.”

The ongoing feud between conservative commentator Jason Whitlock and ESPN’s high-profile host Stephen A. Smith has reached new heights, with Whitlock unleashing pointed criticism accusing Smith of inciting racial hatred on his popular morning show “First Take.” In a recent social media post and commentary, Whitlock did not hold back, claiming that Disney, the parent company of ESPN, compensates Smith specifically “to troll white people worshipping Jesus” and to spread division through race-baiting rhetoric.

The latest exchange stems from Smith’s defense of former CNN anchor Don Lemon following Lemon’s arrest during coverage of an anti-ICE protest at a church service in Minnesota. Smith passionately argued on air that Lemon’s actions were justified and highlighted broader issues of injustice, a stance Whitlock interpreted as inflammatory and deliberately divisive. Whitlock responded swiftly on X (formerly Twitter), writing that Disney pays Smith “to troll white people” and framing Smith’s commentary as part of a larger pattern of promoting anti-white sentiment under the guise of advocacy.

This accusation fits into Whitlock’s broader narrative about Smith, whom he has long portrayed as a corporate-installed figure designed to polarize audiences along racial lines for profit and control. Whitlock, who hosts the “Fearless” podcast on Blaze Media, has repeatedly described Smith as a “plant” backed by powerful elites, including Disney executives like Bob Iger, to manipulate public opinion and stir racial tensions. In earlier rants, Whitlock has tied this to conspiracy-laden claims, suggesting Smith’s elevated platform serves a strategic purpose in amplifying division during politically charged times.

The two media personalities have clashed for years, with roots tracing back to their overlapping time in sports journalism. Whitlock, once at ESPN himself, has built a career critiquing what he sees as “woke” culture in media and sports, often positioning himself as a contrarian voice challenging mainstream narratives on race. Smith, meanwhile, has risen to become one of the most recognizable faces in sports broadcasting, known for his bombastic style, passionate defenses of Black athletes and communities, and willingness to tackle social issues on “First Take.”

Past flare-ups have been intense. In 2023 and 2024, Smith launched extended on-air and podcast tirades against Whitlock, calling him “worse than a white supremacist,” a “fat bastard,” and “the worst human being” he had encountered, in response to Whitlock questioning the authenticity of details in Smith’s memoir “Straight Shooter.” Whitlock fired back by mocking Smith’s personal attacks and doubling down on claims that Smith’s success stems from being controllable and willing to push certain agendas. One particularly heated episode saw Smith rant for nearly 40 minutes, vowing no forgiveness and labeling Whitlock as despicable.

More recently, in late 2025, Whitlock appeared on shows like Sage Steele’s podcast, reiterating that none of Smith’s views are “authentic” and portraying him as a performer for corporate interests rather than a genuine commentator. Smith retaliated with personal insults, including calling Whitlock a “damn walrus” in a viral clip. Yet the current dispute shifts focus squarely to accusations of racial incitement. Whitlock argues that Smith’s on-air style—often involving heated discussions of race in sports, from athlete activism to perceived biases—crosses into promoting hatred rather than constructive dialogue.

Critics of Whitlock view his attacks as opportunistic, part of his appeal to a conservative audience that rewards commentary accusing mainstream media of anti-white bias. Supporters see him as exposing hypocrisy in how race is discussed on platforms like ESPN. Defenders of Smith counter that his commentary addresses real inequalities and that Whitlock’s rhetoric distracts from substantive issues by personalizing and racializing disagreements.

The feud highlights deeper divides in American media: the tension between corporate-backed entertainment journalism and independent conservative voices, the role of race in sports commentary, and how personalities monetize controversy. With Smith commanding massive viewership on “First Take” and Whitlock thriving in alternative media spaces, their back-and-forth shows no signs of abating. As Whitlock frames it, Smith’s platform isn’t just about sports—it’s allegedly engineered to exacerbate racial fault lines for ratings and influence.

Neither side has shown interest in reconciliation. Whitlock continues to use his platforms to challenge Smith’s credibility, while Smith has historically dismissed such critics as envious or irrelevant. In this latest chapter, Whitlock’s bold claim that Disney essentially funds Smith’s alleged attacks on white audiences has intensified the spotlight on how race, power, and media intersect in today’s polarized landscape. Whether this escalates further or fades amid the constant news cycle remains to be seen, but it underscores the personal stakes in an industry where opinions on race can ignite explosive public battles.